While Canada may not have the Great Barrier Reef, it is still home to some hidden, but very popular dive sites. From the west coast, to the prairies,to the Great Lakes, all the way out east. Discover wildlife, sunken ships, flooded cities, or even dive a meteor crater. Let’s check out some of the best dive sites in Canada.
Diving Spots in West Coast Canada
Saltery Bay, BC
A popular dive site with easy shore access to some of the best Pacific Northwest diving in Canada. Have your camera ready for the mermaid, and be careful near the wall. This part drops to 60 metres (200 ft) very quickly. Stay safe out there!
Port Hardy, Northern Vancouver Island
Included with the best dive spots is Port Hardy. This location has sheer cliffs, falling hundreds of feet into pristine BC blue-green waters. Teeming with life, this area is great for those divers interested in seeing wildlife. From giant Pacific octopuses to wolf eels. And don’t forgetabout the sea lions which call Vancouver Island home. They’re easy to spot and often visit divers to see what they’re up to. They’re like curious puppies, you’ll love ’em!
Nanaimo, BC
If you’re after more wrecks than encounters with wildlife, head to the Nanaimo coastline for some diving. You’ll find three military ships that were sunk and now live on as beautiful marine habitats. A great place to dive for the day!
Whytecliff Park, BC
Located close by Vancouver, making it a great spot to swing by for a shorter dive, after all you’re in Vancouver, you can’t spend the entire time underwater. Located on the coastline of Howe Sound, this dive spot has several options at the site to cater dives for beginners or experts. Giant octopus are regularly spotted around here so keep an eye out!
Freshwater Diving Spots in Canada
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
This cold lake is extremely clear, making it a great place to dive. You’re completely surrounded by mountains. There’s nearby campgrounds, as well as a Tiny House which I’ve stayed in and highly recommend. Watch for the wreck at the bottom of the lake, an old Stern-wheeler called Gertrude. Strong name for a strong dive location.
Clear Lake, Alberta
Clear waters, and a purposefully built dive site featuring a ceramic cow, an underwater hyperbaric chamber, bunk beds, an airplane, and countless other oddities that will have you laughing into your mask. Camping is available at Arm Lake recreational area, about 5 km up the road. A great weekend getaway!
Whiteswan Lake, BC
Ever wanted to see what a flooded town looks like? Now is your chance. Explore the remnants of a flooded town that didn’t fare so well during the building of two nearby dams. Plenty of creative structures to check out as well.
West Hawk Lake, Manitoba
Thousands upon thousands of years ago a meteor struck earth, causing the formating of WestHawk Lake. This beautiful Manitoba lake has some great beaches and is a great place to check out in the early summer. West Hawk Lake is over 100 metres/300feet deep, so you have plenty of room to dive. In terms of wildlife, watch for small mouth bass.
Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
If you’re looking for a ton of shallow shipwrecks, look no further than Tobermory, Ontario. Widely regarded as one of the best dive locations in the Great Lakes. Tobermory receives sometimes as much as eighty feet of visibility, making it a nice clear dive. You can spend days exploring this dive site. It’s a stunning little part of Canada that’s worth checking out year round.
Diving Spots in East Coast Canada
Bell Island Wrecks, Newfoundland
Considered one of the best dive spots out east due to its variety of shipwrecks. You’ll find torpedoed U-boats, WWII freighters, and more, which all show the history of this beautiful part of Canada. Of course with some careful planning you may also be able to dive Icebergs, but recommends this for experts only with an experienced crew. Diving ‘bergs can be dangerous as they’re prone to rolling and breaking apart. You don’t want either to happen on you.
The Saguenay, Nova Scotia
Scuttled back in the early 90’s, the HMCS Saguenay currently sits in 27 meters / 90 feet located near the beautiful artsy port town of Lunenberg, Nova Scotia. A quick drive from Halifax, this wreck is home to a ton of different marine life.
Deer Island, New Brunswick
With careful tide planning you’re in for a full day of diving, exploring a ton of unique wildlife, including sponges, anemones, lobsters, and countless filter feeders. Divers report Lobsters regularly come out to visit if you’re not kicking up too much of a raucous.